Rep. Larry Crouse resigning because of health problems

OLYMPIA — Spokane Valley Republican Rep. Larry Crouse says he’ll resign from the Legislature at the end of the year because of health problems.

Crouse, 68, announced his decision Tuesday, saying that health ailments led to his decision to step down before the end of his two-year term. He told The Spokesman-Review that a series of medical problems sidelined him for much of this year’s regular and special sessions, including back surgery, food poisoning and then another virus.

Crouse, first elected to office in 1995, is the longest-standing Republican member of the House.

Republican precinct officers from the 4th legislative district will nominate three replacements, and Spokane County commissioners will make a selection from those nominees to serve through the November 2014 election.